A regular feature on our website is the Talent Radar Team of the Week with the best young players compiled into an XI from across Europe’s top six leagues. You can read this for all details on Talent Radar, who is eligible under it and what else we publish within this feature.
[Eligibility: As of 1st June 2015 – 21 years old and below for outfield players // 22 years old and below for goalkeepers]
Jack Butland // 22 // Stoke City // Goalkeeper: Another back to back appearance in our Talent Radar Team of the Week, Jack Butland earns his place this time around thanks to a solid performance in the goalless draw against West Ham United. Butland’s consistency this season is worth applauding and we’re willing to place faith in the youngster and bet that he could give Joe Hart a run for his money for that no.1 England jersey.
Eric Bailly // 21 // Villarreal CF // Right-Back: Being a right-back in a team facing Real Madrid, who are known for their strength down the flanks is never easy. Having said that, a key component of Villarreal’s performance that led to their victory over the Spanish giants was Eric Bailly’s solid display in the game. His current contract is until 2020 but with performances like that, it’s certain to see a revised contract soon.
Edoardo Goldaniga // 22 // US Palermo // Centre-Back: Having warmed the bench for most of this season, the Italian has finally got a consistent amount of match time going. Goldaniga got amongst the goals in the 4-1 home victory against Frosinone this past weekend.
John Anthony Brooks // 22 // Hertha BSC // Centre-Back: A clean sheet and a helping hand with the goals would wrap an excellent night for a centre-back. John Anthony Brooks was in action against Darmstadt away from home and had an excellent game which followings last week’s excitement where he scored against Leverkusen.
Nathan Ake // 20 // Watford // Left-Back: After being left out of the squad for the start of the season, Nathan Ake was earned a solid run of 10 games in Watford colours. This past weekend, Ake was in action against Sunderland; his performance topping ones we’ve previously seen.
To know more about football’s young stars, read our 100 Young Players to Watch in 2015 feature.
Saul Niguez // 21 // Atletico Madrid // Right Midfield: One of our favourite players from Atletico Madrid who we see as Koke’s replacement in terms of Atleti’s representation in Talent Radar circles, Niguez was in action against Athletic Bilbao. Niguez impressed in the game, helping his side to a 2-1 victory.
Julian Weigl // 20 // Borussia Dortmund // Central Midfield: After missing his first league game against Wolfsburg last week, Julian Weigl was back in Dortmund colours. Weigl impressed once again with a near perfect display against Eintracht Frankfurt with the game ending in a 4-1 result for the home side.
Maximilian Arnold // 21 // Wolfsburg // Central Midfield: In our humble opinion, Arnold is one of those players who deserves more praise for his performances in general. Narrowing it down to his performance this past weekend, the youngster was part of the Wolfsburg side that took on Hamburg at home. Arnold scored during the game, earning his team a valuable point.
Hakan Calhanoglu // 21 // Bayer Leverkusen // Left Midfield: Leverkusen were back to winning ways in the Bundesliga in style with a whopping 5-0 result against Borussia Monchengladbach. Calhanoglu was present and contributed to the goals in the form of an assist. We’re going to be greedy and demand a direct freekick from him in the next game.
Adalberto Penaranda // 18 // Granada CF // Striker: Penaranda has been with the 2nd team for pretty much most of the season. Since about four weeks ago, when the teenager was entrusted with a full 90 minutes against Bilbao and has gone on to feature in the next three games for the club. This past weekend, the lad was a part of the Granada side that faced Levante. Penaranda scored a brace in the game and consequently earned all three points for his side.
Paulo Dybala // 22 // Juventus // Striker: The purchase of Dybala looks to be a solid piece of business increasingly as every week goes by. Dybala was once again on the scoresheet against Fiorentina with a well-taken goal.
Written by Razim Refai
- Talent Radar Young Players Team of the Week #24: Niklas Sule, Kingsley Coman, and more - March 15, 2016
- Talent Radar Young Players Team of the Week #21: Alireza Jahanbaksh, Jurgen Locadia and more - February 16, 2016
- Talent Radar Young Goalkeeper Rankings: Jack Butland reclaims top position - February 16, 2016
